With a marked jump in coffee prices, local café owners are witnessing declining customer numbers as tariffs affect the cost of imported beans. Jorge Prudencio, who operates Bread Bite Bakery in Washington DC, highlighted that he has received notification of upcoming price hikes from suppliers post-tariff implementation. As imports from countries like Colombia and Brazil face a 10% tariff, prices for consumers are expected to rise correspondingly, putting pressure on small business owners.
Rising Coffee Prices in the US Prompt Concern Among Consumers and Businesses

Rising Coffee Prices in the US Prompt Concern Among Consumers and Businesses
A recent increase in tariffs is causing coffee prices to soar in the United States, prompting concern from café owners and consumers alike.
Kamal Mortada from Au Lait café expressed concern over declining customer traffic due to rising costs, which have made many patrons opt for simpler coffee options. His establishment has raised menu prices by 25%, reflecting the overall inflation higher than a decade ago.
In San Francisco, Jenny Ngo from Telescope Coffee is bracing for further price increases as her supply chains are impacted by the same tariffs, affecting both her coffee and her business. Despite some business owners like Prudencio remaining hopeful that coffee will remain a staple for consumers, the broader implications of rising prices on overall consumer behavior and affordability remain a pressing issue.
As rising costs in everyday items, including coffee and eggs, continue to create strain for consumers, the political discourse surrounding economic management and tariffs heightens.
The challenge for coffee shop owners like Joel Finkelstein from Qualia Coffee Roasters is not only to maintain business viability amidst soaring prices but also to address potential declines in sales as the economic landscape shifts.
Ultimately, the impacts of current tariffs signify broader economic consequences for coffee-related businesses across the nation, with affordability and access becoming key concerns for many consumers.
In San Francisco, Jenny Ngo from Telescope Coffee is bracing for further price increases as her supply chains are impacted by the same tariffs, affecting both her coffee and her business. Despite some business owners like Prudencio remaining hopeful that coffee will remain a staple for consumers, the broader implications of rising prices on overall consumer behavior and affordability remain a pressing issue.
As rising costs in everyday items, including coffee and eggs, continue to create strain for consumers, the political discourse surrounding economic management and tariffs heightens.
The challenge for coffee shop owners like Joel Finkelstein from Qualia Coffee Roasters is not only to maintain business viability amidst soaring prices but also to address potential declines in sales as the economic landscape shifts.
Ultimately, the impacts of current tariffs signify broader economic consequences for coffee-related businesses across the nation, with affordability and access becoming key concerns for many consumers.